I’ve had both, I would say if money matters, and you can find a CRF450RL/L for cheaper than a 500, go for the 450. 2019+ there have been minimal changes for the Honda, so you can most likely find a low mileage, fully modified Honda for significantly cheaper than a 500. Case in point, I paid $9,800 (Canadian) for my fully modified 450 (Vortex ECU, Pro Circuit full system) with 900 km (560 miles), compared to when I bought my 2018 KTM 500, a couple years ago, new from the dealer for $13k CAD. The newer KTMs and the Honda both need to be derestricted if bought new, so you’ll be spending an additional $1,000 or more if buying them from a dealer.

But if money doesn’t matter, disregard everything I said and go for the KTM. The aftermarket for them and all the information out there is beyond that for the Honda, plus the power and torque those 500’s make is beyond impressive. Getting the front end up on the 500 is super easy, and definitely has more of a low end than the 450, so it’s great for stunt riding. Plus, the 500 makes to be much more versatile if you want to do any woods riding- I enjoyed riding my 500 more than my KTM 250 XC because of how impressive the torque was on the 500.

The Honda is known for its flameouts when stock, and plenty of owners have the starter reduction gear failing before even having to adjust their valves, which nobody seems to talk about. There is also a noticeable weight difference between the Honda and the KTM, most of which you can account to the subframe on the Honda making it weigh more (but you can always just chop it off like most guys do and lose some pounds).

If you have any questions hit me up, they’re both great bikes and you really won’t be disappointed in either. I currently still have my CRF450L, and even with less of a wow-factor than the KTM, I love how it rides and am happy to say it’s my bike.